Onkyo vs. JBL (Harman/Kardon)

[Spinsharp]

Which would you guys prefer? The JBL DCR600 I'm looking at is built off the Harman/Kardon platform and still has the same Analog Devices Crystal CS492305 to decode Dolby Digital material.But the main difference other than brand seems to be component layout. More of the boards are spaced closer together soo, not sure.

But, the Onkyo TX-DS939 has an excellent power supply and huge caps! Plus a very clean circuit layout and brushed aluminum face. The only downside is one of the boards was cracked and I can't use the self-equalize feature where it sets up the best sound for the room-not that big of a deal considering I don't even have the microphone.

So even with the implications, I'm thinking the Onkyo is the better way to go. Any other opinions?

 

[Spinsharp]

Not sure why this was hard to reply to, but I appreciate the views everyone. Perhaps it was too in-depth or esoteric/specific?

 

[j_garcia]

Maybe it's because the JBL not very common, and I've never heard of an Onkyo 939. Most just go directly to H/K rather than JBL, for a receiver. To be honest, I've never seen or even heard of a JBL branded receiver in any store (though I did see them on the website). You also didn't mention what you will be using it for.

 

[Spinsharp]

Yeah, I was getting the feeling JBL receivers weren't too common.

I apologize for not mentioning what I'll be using it for, which consists of only music from two channel sources.

 

[Fl_Gulfer]

I owned a pair of JBL speakers in the 80's that cost 300 bucks apiece and I blew them up about 3 times in one year, they kept giving me these loaner speakers to use when the repaired them, I can't remember the brand of the speakers and the said I couldn't blow em they were right too they weighed about 75 pounds each they had 16 in bass and 12 in horns the neighbors 2 blocks away could hear them. haha they finaly traded me for those.
So I would never own a pair of JBL's again. and if their receivers are made by the same company I'd stay away from them too.

 

[Spinsharp]

I hate to change the topic, but you've brought up an excellent point. Are there any good cheaper speakers you would recommend? I'll most likely buy from ebay if at all possible...

 

[Hi Ho]

JBL is known for their professional speakers, not their consumer lines. The only JBL branded receiver I am aware of is the one that comes with their CinemaVision system.

After a Google search I found THIS article about the system you asked about originally. It appears to be an older system so I'm assuming you were looking at it on Ebay?

What exactly are you looking to buy? Speakers and a receiver? What is your budget?

 

[Spinsharp]

Yes, that's the exact receiver! A friend of mine is willing to sell it to me or I can purchase his Onkyo...

My budget for speakers is about 300-400 dollars, and I'm only looking for fronts.

 

[Hi Ho]

What's your budget for the receiver? You can get some decent, new speakers for that price. Check out the Budget Bookshelf Face Off. The M3ti's and Klipsch RB-15's came out on top. I'd recommend looking at them to start with.

 

[Spinsharp]

My friend is offering the JBL for $100 and the Onkyo for $150...fairly hard to beat, even with the assistance of ebay.


I appreciate the speaker suggestions! I am definitely going to be looking into them, additionally, this might sound naive, but are there any decent floorstanding speakers in my price range?